This Sunday brings me to the first part of my sermon series on the St. Luke's Passion narrative. For the Sundays in Lent I will be going through the Passion story as presented in Luke's Gospel, which is the Gospel for this year's lectionary readings. Here is the beginning of the reading:

"He came out and went, as was his custom to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. When he reached the place, he said to them, 'Pray that you may not come into the time of trial.' Then he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, knelt down, and prayed. Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done. Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength. In his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground." Luke 22:39-42.

We would note that although for Jesus this was a time of trial, yet he prays that his followers would not even have to encounter any trials for themselves! As we return our focus to Jesus, what we notice is that Jesus needed to pray. He knew what lay ahead for him and he was even asking if his life on Earth could end differently. The word 'cup' here refers to suffering.

We would also observe in this section the intensity of his praying. There is the kneeling and the sweat. Has there been anything in your life where you really were intense in praying? Was there some major crisis that you faced or someone else faced where prayer became a must for you?

I would invite you to reflect on these words as your Lenten discipline and in preparation for worship this Sunday. The entire reading is Luke 22:39-46. May God's blessings be upon your preparation and worship this Sunday.